Eight long years since their last album, the Washington State collective’s sixth LP reveals limited departure from their hard-set macabre rock. Like 2004 commercial breakthrough Good News, March’s 15-track Strangers to Ourselves commences dainty, frontman Isaac Brock’s telltale lisp the gentle opener’s sole MM feature. Next, “Lampshades on Fire” reroutes manic in buoyant, jangled glory, its spat verses briefly softened by a staccato pop “ba ba ba” chorus. Later, “Pistol” bombs in bewilderment. “Ansel” and “Pups to Dust” refocus in high-quality and witty quips for which Brock’s known. Limited variety and specks of staleness can’t ground the high points. (6:20pm, Honda stage)

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This article appears in October 9 • 2015.

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